Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre

Sickle cell and thalassaemia are disorders of the red blood cells which are passed on by parents through genes.

Read the latest Sickle cell success story

Sickle cell is more common in people who originate from West Africa and the Caribbean and Thalassaemia more common in people originating from Asian countries and the Mediterranean.

When one unusual gene is passed on it is a healthy carrier state. When two unusual genes are passed on the individual can have chronic and life threatening problems.

Regular medical checks by specialist doctors and nurses are important to improve health and reduce complications.

It is important to know if you carry any unusual gene before having children if you have family origins from the regions above.

Treatments

The service provides the following:

Counselling
Screening
Education
Training support
Public awareness of sickle cell and thalassaemia.

The unique set up of the service to include community and hospital based care provides excellent continuity of care.

Counselling is offered before and after screening to the following people:
Anyone requesting screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia
Carriers of unusual haemoglobins
Women and their partners identified as carriers
Parents with newly diagnosed babies with sickle cell and thalassaemia
Individuals affected with sickle and thalassaemia major

People can refer themselves or by a health professional.

A small sample of blood is taken and sent to the lab for testing. Results of tests are always sent to individuals by post within two weeks of screening.

Individuals with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia major have a named nurse to manage their care.

This service is regularly assessed and peer reviewed and is noted for its excellence.

Appointments

What do I do if I haven’t received my appointment yet?

Telephone 020 8251 7229

What do I do if I want to change or cancel an appointment?

Telephone 020 8251 7229

What should I bring to my appointment?

Any previous screening results

If you are pregnant, please bring your antenatal notes

What time should I arrive for my appointment?

The time will be clearly stated on your appointment letter.

If the time is not convenient, out of hours appointments can occasionally be arranged.

Clinics

Weekly adult clinic with haematologists is held in the hospital’s main outpatients department.

A monthly nurse led ‘twilight’ clinic is from 5pm to 8 PM is held in the hospital’s main
outpatients department.

Twice monthly paediatric clinic takes place in The Willows Children’s outpatient Department.

Weekly nurse led antenatal genetic counselling for Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia in the antenatal clinic on Thursday afternoons.

Monthly parents group at Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia centre.

In-patients are seen in Acute Medical Unit, Accident and Emergency or on Duppas 1 and Duppas 2